Milwaukee Torrent 0 - 0 Grand Rapids FC

May 11, 2018 - 7:00 pm
at Hart Park

By: Bryan Giese

The Milwaukee Torrent picked up their first point of the season Friday night. With temperatures in the low 40’s and the rain coming down hard at times, the Torrent fought to a scoreless draw against Grand Rapids FC. In a match that would be very physical, even for the NPSL, the Torrent would be able to maintain their focus and finish with a clean sheet.

In the first half, the Torrent men were able to play more to their style. They would do a good job of keeping possession and playing quickly. It would be late in the first half when the Torrent would get their best scoring chance of the evening. In the 43 minute, Mark Hutchinson would head a corner kick off the cross bar, keeping the match 0-0 at the halfway point.

In the second half, the Torrent would come out looking to finish on their first half chances. The first few minutes would play out similar, physical in nature, but with Milwaukee maintaining possession. Offensively they began to try and breakdown the Grand Rapids defense by playing some long balls over the top. On the wet surface, the Torrent forwards would struggle to connect.

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Physical Play of the NPSL

Grand Rapids would take a much more physical approach in the second half, leading to more chances, and allowing them to keep possession. Midway through the half, Torrent goalkeeper, Agustin Rey would be taken down hard on two separate occasions. Despite having the team trainer out, Rey would stay in the game.

“I’m going to be pretty sore, but I’ll be fine,” said Rey after completing his first clean sheet of the season.

The Torrent completed the night by showing determination, heart and a growing team chemistry. The longer this team is together, the more they are learning each other’s styles. They will continue to move forward as a squad on Sunday when they travel to Columbus for their first road match of the season. It will also mark the first time this season where they will have Head Coach Andy Davi on the sidelines with them.